Wil-U

What we’re seeing in Retail Gift Aid right now…

As the UK’s leading Retail Gift Aid solution, we work closely with charity shops across the Wil‑U Family, and the message is clear: Gift Aid done well is driving serious income growth.

So what trends are standing out in shops right now?

1. Gift Aid is becoming impossible to miss.

Clear in‑store signage, confident volunteers and simple explanations at the point of donation are boosting opt‑ins. When donors understand the impact, they’re far more likely to say yes.

2. Dedicated donation stations are on the rise.

More shops are introducing clearly defined donation drop‑off points, making donating quicker, smoother and more intuitive for donors (and easier for teams behind the scenes).

3. Volunteers are more confident, and it shows.

Refresher training and better tools are helping volunteers explain Gift Aid naturally, without slowing queues or creating friction. Confidence = higher conversion.

4. Gift Aid performance is being tracked and celebrated.

With better reporting and visibility, shops are seeing friendly competition grow. Sharing Gift Aid wins, income uplift, and milestones is keeping teams motivated and delivering results.

The impact?

Across the Wil‑U Family, charities typically see Gift Aid income increase by over 50% after switching to our fully digital, automated process.

North London Hospice, for example, saw Gift Aid sales rise by 66% in just five months.

How are you supporting Retail Gift Aid in your shops right now?

We're incredibly proud to highlight our partnership with Community Integrated Care & Inspire By, a charity making a real difference for people with learning disabilities and additional support needs. Together, we’ve been able to bring positive change to their retail operations through modern, accessible technology.

Before joining the Wil-U Family, the Inspire By team was facing challenges with outdated EPOS systems that weren’t flexible enough for the diverse needs of the people they support. With our customisable, portable, and intuitive devices, we’ve helped make their retail locations more accessible, streamlined, and user-friendly for everyone.

Key highlights:
🔹 Customisable EPOS screens tailored to individual abilities
🔹 Increased efficiency in tasks like Gift Aid management
🔹 More confident volunteers who are empowered by technology that works for them
🔹 New boutique-style shop designed to enhance the training experience and the shopping journey

It’s been amazing to see the Inspire By team grow and transform their operations, and we’re thrilled to be a part of their journey!

Read the full blog to learn more about this inspiring partnership: https://lnkd.in/ePV7mBfp